The main character is a reputable copier of old master paintings whose sharp, charming wife leaves him. They have a tragic schizophrenic son, and perhaps because of this he gets involved with and marries waif-like Clio whose little son he loves and protects.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Review

'Beautifully observed' -- (SUNDAY TELEGRAPH)

'Plays with time and notions of forgery and fidelity in life and art...' -- GUARDIAN--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.

From the Publisher

Virago¹s distinguished Modern Classics series is dedicated to the celebration of women writers of the 19th and 20th centuries and to the rediscovery and reprinting of their work.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.

Most helpful customer reviews

Nina Bawden's Booker Prize nominated "Circles of Deceit" is a mildly engaging but intriguing family drama with memorable characters and a sprinkling of secrets to keep you enthralled. Out of print for some time, it is good to see it back on the book shelves. Those expecting jaw dropping revelations from the closet will be disappointed. There aren't any real shockers. Bawden's skill lies in weaving a modest tale of deceit, which she reveals using clues subtly planted on the canvass of a copy painting. Common, petty deceits borne of human weaknesses and foibles that may not shatter lives instantly but as sure as night follows day work their poison given the right time and place. The painter narrator is somebody you identify with. It could just be you. His unfaithful ex-wife Helen is a testy, unhappy, and selfish woman whom you almost emphathise with. Clio, the narrator's child-wife, a cloying, whining creature, you feel like slapping. She must be the most irritating personality to have been given life on print. Then there are others like mother Maisie, aunt Maud and Ned who are so funny and each so vividly drawn they come to life on the pages. Bawden also writes like a dream. The prose that flows from her pen is smooth, witty, honest and an absolute joy to read. "Circles of Deceit" is a well written, tightly structured novel that will not change your life but it'll add to it.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)

Amazon.com:
3 reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Mildly engaging but intriguing family dramaOct. 23 2001

By
A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Paperback

Nina Bawden's Booker Prize nominated "Circles of Deceit" is a mildly engaging but intriguing family drama with memorable characters and a sprinkling of secrets to keep you enthralled. Out of print for some time, it is good to see it back on the book shelves. Those expecting jaw dropping revelations from the closet will be disappointed. There aren't any real shockers. Bawden's skill lies in weaving a modest tale of deceit, which she reveals using clues subtly planted on the canvass of a copy painting. Common, petty deceits borne of human weaknesses and foibles that may not shatter lives instantly but as sure as night follows day work their poison given the right time and place. The painter narrator is somebody you identify with. It could just be you. His unfaithful ex-wife Helen is a testy, unhappy, and selfish woman whom you almost emphathise with. Clio, the narrator's child-wife, a cloying, whining creature, you feel like slapping. She must be the most irritating personality to have been given life on print. Then there are others like mother Maisie, aunt Maud and Ned who are so funny and each so vividly drawn they come to life on the pages. Bawden also writes like a dream. The prose that flows from her pen is smooth, witty, honest and an absolute joy to read. "Circles of Deceit" is a well written, tightly structured novel that will not change your life but it'll add to it.

Circes of DeceitNov. 7 2012

By
Meganb
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase

Like all of Nina Bawden's books, this was well written, with excellent characterisation and a worthwhile plot. I was interested in the story throughout, wanting to find out what happened to the characters and how the twists in the story would be resolved. Highly recommended for those who like a thoughtful, well crafted book.